Experimental Investigation of Axial and Radial Pressure Distributions in a Transonic Axial Compressor

This paper deals with experimental results of an axial compressor of a small power plant gas turbine engine. Tests were carried out during the engine operation (along operating line of the compressor). Time averaged axial and radial pressure distributions in each individual stage were measured at different rotational speeds. Acceleration and deceleration phases of the engine were divided into reasonable time intervals of constant rotational speeds. Consequently, data logging was performed during steady operation of the engine. Measured parameters included pressure and temperature distributions and air mass flow rate. Test results were used to calculate axial distribution of load factor along the compressor meanline. Experimental results showed that the spanwise total pressure reduces from meanline region towards the hub and casing at each stage. No significant variations in load factor of each stage were observed during acceleration and deceleration phases of the engine. Meanline load factor distribution was increasing from compressor head towards its end within experimental rotational speed range.